Though he’s fallen off the U.S. Men’s National Team radar since his 2014 World Cup appearance, forward Aron Johannsson says he’s prepared to get back to work following long-term injury struggles.
The Werder Bremen striker spoke out about a number of issues, including his own personal injury issues, as well as the struggles of his team in Bundesliga play this season, reports German paper Kreiszeitung. Sitting even on points with Hamburg SV for the final relegation playoff spot, Bremen has managed to pull just 16 points from 19 matches this year in league play, scoring 24 goals while allowing a league-high 41. Johannsson has only had limited opportunity to help his team, making only 13 Bundesliga appearances in nearly two years with the team, but is optimistic he’ll be able to come in and make a difference now that he’s healthy.
“It was very difficult for me. Last season I was hurt for many months,” said Johannsson. “This was not a good situation either for me or for the club. Now I am working so hard I can to restore the confidence in myself. I want to give something back to the fans and to the club because everyone believed in me. Now I am fit. I played 20 minutes against Augsburg, and during this time I was in good agreement with Max [Kruse]. We can be a strong duo.”
Though disappointed with his nagging injury problems, Johannsson credits his teammates, family, and friends for easing his difficulties and states he is completely focused on helping his team survive the relegation battle in which they find themselves ensnared and that the struggles have left him stronger.
“Yes, as a person in any case. As a footballer this is more difficult,” Johannsson said. “In such a long time you think: What if I can never play again? It is important to stay positive. The idea motivated me to be back on the pitch and help the team.”
“I feel good and am ready to play.”
Well good that he’s well but I dont see him getting called up anymore. I think that that US Soccer has moved on but we’ll see.
While I’m happy that ArJo is back playing he’ll have to get back to his 2014 form if he hopes to get back into the USMNT picture. Dempsey, ArJo & Boyd will all need to show that they can stay healthy and contribute to their clubs if they’re going to be considered. The team is in a very different situation now than it was 4 yrs ago….
Jozy, Wood, & Morris have basically locked down 3 of the 4 spots at the moment leaving 1 open striker spot for one of the following to lay claim….
Green, Zardes Dempsey, ArJo, Boyd, & Rubin. I give Green & Zardes the leg up since they have greater versatility being able to be deployed as wide midfielders as well as strikers.
Let’s hope his body cooperates. Any time a player is out for so long for one of those “we can’t quite figure out what is wrong with him” injuries it’s a bad sign of things to come. Basically a year and a half of Bundesliga soccer wasted due to his injury.
Unfortunately I think that’s also what Cameron is going thru right now (somewhat of a lingering mystery injury).
Really good to hear. We need you Kevin B!!!!
Good to hear. The more the merrier. At 26 hopefully the next few years are his best.